What To Do After a Boating Accident?

Despite taking all necessary precautions, boating accidents can still occur to even the safest boaters. In Missouri, 122 people were injured and 28 were killed in recreational boating accidents in 2022 on different lakes and waterways. 

When such unfortunate accidents happen because someone else is careless, you need to take steps to protect your legal rights. The legal team at Burger Law can evaluate your legal options after an injury. Contact our St. Louis boat accident attorneys today for a free consultation. 

Ensure Safety First

First and foremost, ensure everyone’s safety. Check yourself and others for any injuries and prioritize getting medical attention for anyone who is hurt. If possible, move the boat to a safe location out of further danger or traffic and use anchors if necessary. Make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket to prevent any risk of drowning while waiting for help.

Call for Help

Next, you need to call for help immediately. Contact emergency services to report the accident, providing them with your location and the pertinent details about the situation. Additionally, inform the appropriate marine authorities about the accident. The U.S. Coast Guard requires mandatory reporting to the state reporting authority if a boating accident leads to:

• Death
• A missing person
• An injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid
• Property damage of $2,000 or more
• A wrecked vessel

In Missouri, you need to report to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The filed report is also important for substantiating your claim for compensation

Gather Information

It’s important to gather information from all parties involved in the accident. Exchange names, contact details, boat registration numbers, and insurance information with the other individuals involved. If there are witnesses to the incident, collect their names and contact information as well. This information will be helpful for the subsequent legal proceedings or insurance claims.

Document the Accident

If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the scene, including any damage to all vessels involved, injuries sustained, and the surrounding area. Writing down detailed notes about how the accident happened, including the time, weather conditions and other relevant factors, can provide a clear record that may prove useful later.

Seek Medical Attention

Always seek a medical evaluation after a boating incident. Certain injuries, such as concussions, may not manifest symptoms immediately but could develop over time. Tests might show these injuries so you can get a quick diagnosis.

Also, symptoms that appear minor at first may later become more severe conditions. An evaluation by a healthcare professional will help you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Protect Your Legal Rights

Contact a knowledgeable boat accident attorney to discuss your case. We can provide important legal advice and help you navigate the process of filing a claim. 

Additionally, your attorney can contact your insurance provider on your behalf to report the incident. This is especially helpful if the incident left you severely injured. We will handle the entire process while you focus on your physical recovery. 

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Schedule a free case evaluation here.

Gary Burger

Litigation attorney

Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer in St. Louis

After a boat accident and injuries, you need the right legal team to protect your rights to compensation from negligent parties. Burger Law is ready to help. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT to schedule a free case evaluation.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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